Charges Unlikely for Driver in Sunday Toms River Pedestrian Death

The Toms River 18-year-old who was behind the wheel when a pedestrian tried crossing Route 9 in his path does not appear headed for any repercussions by township police.

Authorities looking into the death of Joseph O'Connell, Jr., 72, also of Toms River, said that neither Christopher Baron nor his passenger, Michael Rourke, 19, of Seaside Park were injured.

According to information gathered by investigators, the traffic signal Baron was approaching at Clover Road at about 9:27 PM was green for him when O'Connell stepped into the highway and into the path of Baron's southbound Jeep Wrangler.

Authorities also said that O'Connell had tried to cross the highway outside of the crosswalk. He died at the scene.

Traffic between North Maple Avenue and Route 70 was detoured for several hours during the investigation.